By ROWENA PLETT

Staff writer

After losing four track athletes to graduation last spring, coach Alan Stahlecker will be leading a small squad of 12 this spring.

“With only 12 total athletes, five girls and seven boys, there will be far too many events we will not cover to be very competitive in team scoring,” Stahlecker said. “We have several athletes that I expect to compete very well in every meet. They should be able to lead the team.”

He was talking about the five members who are returning letter winners.

Junior Kate Basore returns as a state medalist in javelin and a Wheat State League record holder. She also throws the shot put. Stahlecker said she might add other events.

“I hope to win state again and get a higher placing,” she said.

Senior Summer Espinoza will return as a thrower. Her best event is shot put. Her goal is to improve on last year’s performance.

Sophomore Xavier Espinoza is the leading scorer for the boys. He placed sixth at regionals in the 400, just missing qualifying for state. He also runs the 100 and competes in long jump. He hopes to go to state this year.

Senior Brendon Bina is a thrower, competing in shot put, javelin, and discus.

“I want to chuck the spear like a boss,” he said.

Junior Max Svoboda participates in sprints and javelin. Stahlecker said Svoboda might add the 400 this year. He hopes to improve his personal time in the 100 and 200.

Other members of the squad are senior Katie Marler; juniors Davi Salgado and Cody Svoboda; sophomore Mickey Spohn; and freshmen Emma David, Braxton Smith, Aidan Svoboda, and Avery Williams.

Stahlecker is in his eighth year as head coach and 16th season overall. He is assisted by Kelly Steiner.

The first meet will be at Sterling on April 4 in a Central Kansas Track League quintuplet.